-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- For a preview of the next big thing in video gaming , look no further than the Electronic Entertainment Expo , the splashy industry showcase that kicks off Monday in Los Angeles .

Will it be the oddly named Wii U , Nintendo 's attempt to update its aging Wii console for a new wave of gamers ? Or `` Halo 4 , '' the next chapter in the massively popular sci-fi action series ? Or maybe a surprise device or game that comes out of nowhere to captivate attendees ?

This year 's E3 , as the annual trade show is better known , arrives during a time of upheaval for the multibillion-dollar gaming industry , which is scrambling to adapt to changing consumer habits . While home console gaming remains huge , more and more people are playing casual or social games on touchscreen phones and tablets .

`` I think we may be seeing the last generation of dedicated handheld gaming systems with the PS Vita and Nintendo 3DS , '' said Blair Herter , co-host G4TV 's `` X-Play . '' `` What we 've seen is the mobile gaming space really take over what used to be considered the handheld gaming market . ''

Many analysts , including Herter , think this year 's E3 wo n't have as much bang as previous shows . Herter said he thinks this is because of expectations for next-generation consoles being developed by Sony and Microsoft for release in 2013 , and game developers ' hesitation to make something that might have a short shelf life .

As an industry-only event , E3 is geared toward gaming media , developers and insiders . But in an effort to reach out to the public , many companies will be streaming events and shows throughout the four days of the conference to give fans early glimpses at new games and let them hear from developers directly .

The E3 show floor does n't open until Tuesday , although festivities begin Monday with press announcements by Microsoft , Sony and several game developers . Here 's a roundup of what to look for :

The Wii U , ready for its closeup

Most companies at E3 will be showing off what their existing hardware can do or emphasizing new video game titles .

Nintendo is the only one of the Big Three console makers -- a trio that includes Microsoft and Sony -- that will be demonstrating a new gaming system this year -- the Wii U . While the Wii U was previewed in more primitive form at last year 's E3 , there have reportedly been some changes in how the console looks and what it can do .

Official word has been hush hush , which is typical for Nintendo before a big announcement . However , some images and news have leaked out suggesting the touchscreen controller for the Wii U will be different from what was shown last year .

There has been some confusion about whether the Wii U is just a new controller or a more powerful console . Nintendo hopes to clear that up next week by demonstrating a `` final '' version of the system with games designed specifically for the Wii U . At last year 's E3 , Nintendo showed a Wii U video demo featuring gameplay from Xbox 360 and PlayStation games .

Pricing remains a mystery for the Wii U , which is expected to go on sale in fall 2012 . In April , Nintendo chief executive Satoru Iwata said a price for the new console would not be announced at E3 , but that the company would reveal its initial lineup of games . Some industry analysts think Nintendo needs to announce a price at E3 to generate buzz for the console .

New offerings for Vita and Kinect

Some observers think the current lineup of consoles -- the Wii , Sony PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360 -- will all be replaced by newer systems by late 2013 .

`` I think it is safe to assume this will be the last E3 where the current generation of consoles are talked about , '' said G4TV 's Herter .

At E3 , both Sony and Microsoft will be focusing on new software for their current systems .

Sony is expected to make a big push for games for its PS Vita handheld console . The new gaming platform , released in February , has been suffering from a lack of new content after its initial launch . Critics have praised the Vita as technologically impressive but agree the device needs major game franchises to make it more popular .

Help may be on the way in the form of new Vita titles . `` Little Big Planet Karting , '' a racing game featuring Sackboy , and `` PlayStation All Stars Battle Royale , '' a fighting game with some of Sony 's top characters , are likely to be announced next week as part of cross-platform gameplay with the PlayStation 3 .

There also have been strong rumors of a `` Monster Hunter '' game for the Vita to increase support for the console in Japan .

Microsoft will concentrate its E3 efforts on development for the popular Kinect motion controller and additional games for the venerable Xbox 360 . There also are rumors flying around that Microsoft will unveil a more refined recognition system for Kinect , including the sensor 's ability to read individual finger movements .

Microsoft also may announce new partnerships with TV broadcasters and programs in an effort to further transform the gaming console into a home entertainment center . Currently , HBO , ESPN , Hulu Plus , Netflix and others are part of the television lineup for the Xbox 360 .

Big game titles

On the software front for the Xbox 360 , `` Halo 4 '' will be showcased in a four-hour event with its new developer , 343 Industries , and the return of Master Chief as the main character . The game is due out in November . Other exclusive , unannounced titles for the Microsoft console and Kinect are also expected -- although some franchises may be holding out for a next-generation console in a year or so .

While `` Halo 4 '' is one of the biggest titles at E3 , it is far from the only hotly anticipated game . We hope to see more from `` Assassin 's Creed III '' -LRB- made by UbiSoft -RRB- and its setting in the American colonies , more from `` Dishonored '' -LRB- Bethesda -RRB- and its steampunk action , and more about `` Resident Evil 6 '' -LRB- Capcom -RRB- and that game 's multiplayer/co-op modes .

`` There are a lot of great -LSB- big-name -RSB- games that are going to be there and be talked about , '' Herter said . `` But even the software is going to be a little less than what people expect because of the potential for next-gen consoles next year . ''

On the other end of the gaming spectrum , there are also plans for several new massive multiplayer online games . One , `` Defiance '' -LRB- Trion Worlds -RRB- , features a unique tie-in with a new sci-fi TV series , where what happens on the show can affect what happens in the game .

What we wo n't see at E3

For all the hype and excitement about E3 announcements , there are some notable titles and companies that are choosing to bypass this year 's event . The makers of `` BioShock Infinite , '' one of the most highly anticipated games for 2012 , were originally scheduled to show off new gameplay and features . But the game 's release was pushed back to February 2013 , and creative director Ken Levine said the next time people will see the game is when it 's ready to go in the box for delivery .

`` Grand Theft Auto V , '' the latest in the blockbuster urban action series , also may skip E3 . Rockstar , developer for the game , said it has no plans for the show , although some watchers speculate that could change at the last minute .

Despite persistent rumors , Valve Software has said it does n't expect to reveal any new hardware -- or popular games such as `` Half-Life 3 '' or `` Portal 3 '' -- next week . But Valve does plan to attend E3 , and misdirection from gaming companies has been known to occur before the show .

By next week at this time , we 'll know much more about the best gaming has to offer for the next 12 months . Gamers , what are you hoping to see at E3 ? And what are you most looking forward to later this year ?

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The annual Electronic Entertainment Expo kicks off Monday in Los Angeles

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Nintendo will demonstrate its forthcoming Wii U gaming system

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On the software front for the Xbox 360 , `` Halo 4 '' will be showcased in a four-hour event